The Sault College graduate's acrylic on canvas work, to be installed in the post-secondary institution's M wing before moving to the iE3 building now being built, promotes reconciliation between Canada's Indigenous and non-Indigenous residents.

The work, unveiled during a reunion of Sault College alumni and a celebration of 50 years of Ontario's college system on Friday, is the Red Lake native's take on the Canadian flag.

There's an eagle feather, maple leaf and St. Mary's River Rapids, in the centre panel. The two flanking panels feature 11 trees, representing the four directions and seven grandfather teachings, the sun, moon and Northern lights.

“We do have to move forward and we do have to reconcile with each other,” Hunter told The Sault Star. “A lot of bad shit went on between First Nations and non-Indigenous people. It's in that spirit of moving forward that we really have to tackle the bigger problems that are happening in this country.”

Climate change is a specific example for the Toronto-based artist. He points to Indigenous teachings as a good guide forward.

“We're not making this stuff up when we're talking about how we should protect the water and how we should protect land,” said Hunter. “It's Indigenous knowledge that's been passed down to us for 10,000 years as long as we've been here. In the past 150 years that's been threatened a lot. I really wanted this piece to be about reconciling those differences and moving forward together. I think Sault College does a good job of that.”

Hunter's original plan was to attend Sault College for a year before moving to Algoma University to study fine arts. But he took a shine to the college and its graphic arts program. He served as president of the native student council from 2009 to 2011.

“I don't think I would be as successful, or where I'm at, if I didn't come to Sault College,” said the Keeseekoowenin First Nation member. “Sault College goes above and beyond for its students, I think.”

Sault College commissioned Forward to mark Canada's sesquicentennial and the golden anniversary of Ontario's colleges.

“We thought both milestones were significant,” said Rick Webb, director of human resources.

Hunter is nominated by the college for a 2017 Premier's Award, recognizing outstanding contributions made by graduates of Ontario colleges.